32 Pillory Street, Nantwich,
Cheshire. CW5 5BG
enquiries@making-tracks.net
Telephone 01270 610033
The Brasher Hillmaster GTX is probably the best selling walking boot in the UK. No
wonder - its light, durable, waterproof and the grip is ideal for the mixed terrain
of our landscape. The only issue I find is in a few cases the leather cracks around
the flex area of the toes. I have come to see (over eight years of selling them)
that this is a fitting issue. I find if your feet do not flex at or near the ‘rocker’
point of the boot, then over-creasing or over-stretching can occur, and the cracks
appear. This happens very rarely and is a great boot. So much that magazines do not
talk about them any more - they need to advertise the latest fabric boot so you’ll
need a new pair next year. 
The solution to that problem is the Scarpa Ranger GTX.
It has a different last, and offers a slightly higher performance. The other feature
of the Ranger is that it offers a non-Gortex version. That is why I prefer them as
I get hot feet (yes - a bit smelly too!) Not having the Gortex membrane makes my
feet far more comfortable. All I do is Nikwax them a bit in winter, which keeps the
wet out, and in the summer I just keep them clean, which keeps allows the leather
to breathe, and this cuts down the sweat massively for me. Just sitting here in my
cold office, my feet are hot in a pair of Goretex lined boots.
I have only mentioned two boots here, and both are leather. I am not an old fashioned
‘red sock’ rambler, but I have always found leather works better for me. However,
fabric boots are now up to scratch and offer all round support. The main advantage
of fabric boots is their lighter weight, but leather ones are competitive in this
area today too.
The simple thing about boots is that they fit. Ensure this by trying them on, as
many different pairs as the shop has. Please do not waste a shops time by trying
them all on and then trying to surf the net for a cheaper model please. Do you work
for nothing? I also find there is differences between the same pair. So, simply put
them on and take note of your first impression. Unless you’re climbing Everest the
most important factor is fit - good fitting boots last longer.
